Industrial Division

A division of the Magistrates’ Court that deals with disputes by an employee against an employer - excluding workplace injury. The Industrial Division sits at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court only.

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Going to court can be a complex and costly process. You should seek legal advice before starting a civil matter. You can also speak to the other party to try and resolve the dispute.

Both the plaintiff and defendant are required to seek leave – permission - from a magistrate to be represented by a lawyer in the small claims section of the Industrial Division. Leave may be verbally sought at the directions hearing.

To start a general claim, see the starting a civil matter page. The same civil forms can be used, but you must state, at the top of every form, that the complaint is for the Industrial Division. Alternatively, see a list of Industrial Division - general forms in the form finder.

If you are defending a claim in the Industrial Division, see the defending a civil matter page for information about the forms that need to be completed.

Defended claims in the Industrial Division will be listed for a directions hearing where a judicial officer may: